Lot 73

Papunya Tula Artists, Northern Territory (accompanied by a copy of the certificate of authenticity)
Sotheby's, Melbourne, 25 July 2005, lot 84
Private collection, Melbourne

"This painting depicts designs associated with the rockhole site of Tjulungtjulungnga, west of Lake MacDonald. In mythological times a large group of Tingari Men camped at this site before travelling to Lake MacDonald. A small creek is shown by the area of dense yellow dots.

Since events associated with the Tingari Cycle are of a secret nature no further detail was given. Generally, the Tingari are a group of mythical characters of the Dreaming who travelled over vast stretches of the country, performing rituals and creating and shaping particular sites. The Tingari Men were usually followed by Tingari Women and accompanied by novices, and their travels and adventures are enshrined in a number of song cycles. These mythologies form part of the teachings of the post-initiatory youths today as well as providing explanations for contemporary customs."

As stated on a copy of the Papunya Tula Artists certificate of authenticity.

© Morris Gibson Tjapaltjarri/Copyright Agency, 2025